Hundred Hole Hike golf event to challenge Express-Times area foursome

Six rounds of golf -- or 108 holes -- means walking more than 30 miles in one day.

That's the challenge facing four local golfers who are raising money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization to fight breast cancer.

Chris Feenan of Bloomsbury, Tony Milia of Easton, Chris Reid and Scott Mahorsky, both of Nazareth, all will be waking up early and teeing off 5:40 a.m., Monday to complete the challenge before them. They will play their rounds of golf at Saucon Valley Country Club in Upper Saucon Township.

The foursome is golfing as part of a charity event called the "Hundred Hole Hike," an organization that hosts events nationwide. Golfers are allowed to sign up for the event, raise money on their own and then choose where to donate the money.

Feenan selected Susan G. Komen for the Cure because his wife, Nicole, is battling breast cancer for the second time.

"My wife had it 15 years ago, and she was diagnosed with it again in November of last year," Feenan said. "She's in the middle of treatment, and in fact, she starts radiation on Monday, the same day as our hike, at St. Luke's Hospital."

Feenan organized the group effort. So far, the foursome has raised about $30,000 in contributions and donations. Getting contributions was easy, Feenan said, but it was not easy finding playing partners.

"I sent it out to about 12-15 of my golf buddies at Northampton Country Club, where I'm a member, and I could only find three other guys who were willing to commit to it because it is such a grind," Feenan said. "We're all in our late 30s, early 40s, and injuries are creeping up on some of us. Between 30 miles of walking and 400 plus golf swings, it's quite likely that physically this will be a significant challenge for us."

About the only thing that could deter their effort is uncooperative weather. Thankfully, the weather forecast for Monday looks good for golfing, and the foursome expects there to be a crowd, including family and friends, following them on their walk.

To find out more about the Hundred Hole Hike charity or donate to Feenan's event, visit hundredholehike.com.